U.S. patent application number 15/759458 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-28 for a smart lock, system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is GLUE AB. Invention is credited to Andrew GUSCOTT, Dany LEBRUN, Tai Jung LEE, Sarah LIDDELL, Nicolas THIERS.
Application Number | 20180179785 15/759458 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54363278 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180179785 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIDDELL; Sarah ; et
al. |
June 28, 2018 |
A SMART LOCK, SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A smart lock (1) for securing a closure (5), for example a swing
door, comprising: an actuator configured to actuate a lock
mechanism contained within the closure to secure and/or to release
the lock mechanism; and a receiver configured to wirelessly receive
a signal to control operation of the actuator. An associated system
and methods are also described.
Inventors: |
LIDDELL; Sarah; (Malmesbury,
GB) ; LEE; Tai Jung; (London, GB) ; GUSCOTT;
Andrew; (Birdham, GB) ; THIERS; Nicolas;
(Sandillon, FR) ; LEBRUN; Dany; (Sandillon,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GLUE AB |
Stockholm |
|
SE |
|
|
Family ID: |
54363278 |
Appl. No.: |
15/759458 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
September 16, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2016/072074 |
371 Date: |
March 12, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B 2047/0091 20130101;
E05B 2047/0095 20130101; E05B 47/0012 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E05B 47/00 20060101
E05B047/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 16, 2015 |
GB |
1516435.3 |
Claims
1. A smart lock for securing a closure, the smart lock comprising:
an actuator configured to actuate a lock mechanism contained within
the closure to secure and/or to release the lock mechanism; and a
receiver configured to wirelessly receive a signal to control
operation of the actuator; wherein the actuator comprises a prime
mover and a drive train for transmitting motion of the prime mover
to actuate the lock mechanism, wherein the prime mover is an
electric motor; wherein the drive train comprises a thumb turn
wheel to allow manual operation of the lock mechanism; and wherein
the thumb turn wheel comprises a button configured to actuate the
lock mechanism contained within the closure to secure the lock
mechanism after a predetermined delay period.
2. (canceled)
3. The smart lock of claim 1, wherein the receiver is configured to
receive a signal from a third party mobile device and to confirm
with an external server permission for actuation of the lock
mechanism by the third party device, wherein confirmation of
permission involves verification of a current time with a
permission time.
4-9. (canceled)
10. The smart lock of claim 1, wherein the button is configured to
actuate the lock mechanism contained within the closure to secure
the lock mechanism after a predetermined delay period when pressed
twice in succession.
11-12. (canceled)
13. The smart lock of claim 1, wherein the smart lock further
comprises a housing having a front cover through which the thumb
turn wheel projects, and wherein the front cover is pivotally
connected to the housing about an axis of rotation of the thumb
turn wheel.
14. The smart lock of claim 13, wherein the housing and the front
cover each comprise complementary magnets that rotatably retain the
front cover in a closed position.
15. (canceled)
16. The smart lock of claim 13, wherein the housing comprises
locations for receiving fixatives configured to fix, the smart lock
to the closure, and wherein the locations are accessible for
installing or removing the fixatives by rotating the cover to an
open position.
17. The smart lock of claim 1, wherein the smart lock is
retro-fittable to the closure and a shoot bolt of a pre-existing
lock of the closure, and wherein the smart lock is retro-fittable
to a closure in more than one orientation.
18. (canceled)
19. The smart lock of claim 1, wherein the smart lock is pairable
to a hub by wireless communication, and wherein operation of the
smart lock is configurable remotely via the hub.
20-22. (canceled)
23. The smart lock of claim 1, wherein the drive train comprises a
clutch assembly, wherein the prime mover and the clutch assembly
are operatively engaged with each other, wherein the clutch
assembly comprises a clutch body, a clutch and a clutch gear, and
wherein the clutch body, clutch and clutch gear are mounted
concentrically.
24-26. (canceled)
27. The smart lock of claim 23, wherein the clutch gear is
configured to be driven by the prime mover, wherein the prime mover
drives a pinion gear and the clutch gear is a bevelled gear, and
wherein the axis of rotation of the pinion gear and bevelled gear
are perpendicular to one another.
28. (canceled)
29. The smart lock of any of claim 23, wherein the clutch is
selectively engagable with a stop member of the clutch body to
transmit torque from the clutch to the clutch body.
30. The smart lock of claim 29, wherein the clutch comprises a
clutch ring and a clutch tab, wherein the clutch tab is selectively
engagable with a stop member of the clutch body to transmit torque
from the clutch to the clutch body and wherein the clutch gear
comprises a stop member that is selectively engageable with the
clutch to transmit torque from the clutch gear to the clutch.
31. (canceled)
32. The smart lock of claim 23, wherein the prime mover and the
clutch assembly are mounted to a motor carriage.
33-35. (canceled)
36. The smart lock of claim 1, wherein the drive train may be
driven in a first mode by the prime mover and in a second mode by
manual rotation of the thumb turn wheel without operation of the
prime mover.
37. The smart lock of claim 36, wherein the drive train may be
driven in a third mode by operation of the lock mechanism contained
within the closure.
38. The smart lock of any of claim 23, wherein the drive train
comprises a geared transmission assembly between the thumb turn
wheel and the clutch assembly.
39. (canceled)
40. The smart lock of claim 38, wherein the geared transmission
assembly comprises at least a first output shaft and a second
output shaft for supplying torque to the clutch assembly.
41. The smart lock of claim 40, wherein the geared transmission
assembly comprises a gear train coupling the first output shaft and
the second output shaft.
42. The smart lock of claim 40, wherein either the first output
shaft or the second output shaft is coupled to the clutch assembly
dependent on whether the prime mover and the clutch assembly are
mounted to a motor carriage in a first configuration or a second
configuration.
43. The smart lock of claim 23, wherein the drive train comprises
an insert for transmitting torque between the clutch assembly and
the lock mechanism, wherein the insert is configured to be coupled
between the clutch assembly and a lock tailpiece of the lock
mechanism, and wherein the lock tailpiece may be configured to
replace a whole or a part of the lock mechanism of the closure.
44-46. (canceled)
47. The smart lock of claim 43, wherein the lock tailpiece is
pre-existing in the lock and shoot bolt of the door closure, or is
selected from a plurality of types of lock tailpiece, each type of
lock tailpiece being configured to be used with a different design
of lock mechanism
48-73. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The present disclosure is directed to a smart lock, system
and associated methods that provide a means of unlocking a door or
other closure without a mechanical key. In addition, the smart lock
of the present disclosure allows a user to manage access through
the door or closure for third parties, e.g. delivery companies,
cleaning companies, childcare providers and other visitors.
BACKGROUND TO THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Door furniture in the form of mechanical locks are well
known as a means for securing closures that can be moved between
closed and open positions. A common example of a closure is a swing
door that is mounted to a frame by one or more hinges. Mechanical
locks for swing doors are known and typically function by providing
a shoot bolt or similar member that can be moved by means of a
physical key between a locked position--in which the shoot bolt
projects into a rebate or recess in the frame to prevent opening of
the door--and an unlocked position--in which the shoot bolt is
drawn clear of the rebate or recess to permit opening of the door.
Examples of such mechanical locks include mortice locks, rim
latches and multi-point locks typically found on PVC doors.
[0003] A disadvantage of such mechanical locks is that a physical
key is required for their operation. Said key may be lost by the
user or may not easily be to hand when the lock needs to be
operated--e.g. when carrying hand baggage. Another disadvantage is
that if a user wishes to permit a third party to have access
through the door or other closure they must make arrangements to
either delivery the physical key to the third party prior to
arrival, which is inconvenient, or leave the key hidden near the
door, which is insecure.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a smart
lock for securing a closure, for example a swing door,
comprising:
[0005] an actuator configured to actuate a lock mechanism contained
within the closure to secure and/or to release the lock mechanism;
and
[0006] a receiver configured to wirelessly receive a signal to
control operation of the actuator.
[0007] The receiver may be configured to be paired with a mobile
device, for example a smartphone, and to detect presence of the
mobile device within a field of range of the receiver for
controlling operation of the actuator such that presence of the
mobile device within the field of range of the receiver results in
release of the lock mechanism.
[0008] The receiver may be configured to receive a signal from a
third party mobile device and to confirm with an external server
permission for actuation of the lock mechanism by the third party
device.
[0009] Confirmation of permission may involve verification of a
current time with a permission time.
[0010] The receiver may comprise a Bluetooth receiver, which may be
a near field Bluetooth receiver.
[0011] The receiver may comprise a Wi-Fi receiver.
[0012] The smart lock may further comprise a thumb turn wheel to
allow manual operation from the interior.
[0013] The thumb turn wheel may comprise a textured exterior.
[0014] The thumb turn wheel may comprise a button configured to
actuate the lock mechanism contained within the closure to secure
the lock mechanism after a predetermined delay period.
[0015] The button may be configured to actuate the lock mechanism
contained within the closure to secure the lock mechanism after a
predetermined delay period when pressed twice in succession.
[0016] The predetermined delay period may be set by operation of an
external app.
[0017] The smart lock may comprise a housing having a front cover
through which a thumb turn wheel projects wherein the front cover
is pivotally connected to the housing about an axis of rotation of
the thumb turn wheel.
[0018] The housing and the front cover may each comprise
complementary magnets that rotatably retain the front cover in a
closed position.
[0019] The housing may comprise a battery compartment that is
accessible when the front cover is in an open position.
[0020] The housing may comprise locations for receiving fixatives,
for example screws or bolts, for fixing the smart lock to the
closure, wherein the locations may be accessible for installing or
removing the fixatives simply by rotating the cover to an open
position.
[0021] The smart lock may be retro-fittable to a closure and a
shoot bolt of a pre-existing lock of the closure.
[0022] The smart lock may be retro-fittable to a closure in more
than one orientation.
[0023] The smart lock may be pairable to a hub by wireless
communication, for example Wi-Fi.
[0024] Operation of the smart lock may be configurable remotely via
the hub.
[0025] The actuator may comprise a prime mover and a drive train
for transmitting motion of the prime mover to actuate the lock
mechanism.
[0026] The prime mover may be an electric motor.
[0027] The drive train may comprise a clutch assembly.
[0028] The prime mover and the clutch assembly may be operatively
engaged with each other.
[0029] The clutch assembly may comprise a clutch body, a clutch and
a clutch gear.
[0030] The clutch body, clutch and clutch gear may be mounted
concentrically.
[0031] The clutch gear may be configured to be driven by the prime
mover, preferably by engagement of gear teeth of the clutch gear
with gear teeth coupled to the prime mover.
[0032] The prime mover may drive a pinion gear and the clutch gear
may be a bevelled gear, wherein the axis of rotation of the pinion
gear and bevelled gear may be perpendicular to one another.
[0033] The clutch may be selectively engagable with a stop member
of the clutch body to transmit torque from the clutch to the clutch
body.
[0034] The clutch may comprise a clutch ring and a clutch tab, the
clutch tab being selectively engagable with a stop member of the
clutch body to transmit torque from the clutch to the clutch
body.
[0035] The clutch gear may comprise a stop member that is
selectively engageable with the clutch to transmit torque from the
clutch gear to the clutch.
[0036] The prime mover and the clutch assembly may be mounted to a
motor carriage.
[0037] The prime mover and the clutch assembly may be mounted in a
plurality of configurations on the motor carriage.
[0038] The plurality of configurations may comprise at least a
first configuration and a second configuration.
[0039] The drive train may comprise a thumb turn wheel to allow
manual operation of the lock mechanism.
[0040] The drive train may be driven in a first mode by the prime
mover and in a second mode by manual rotation of the thumb turn
wheel without operation of the prime mover.
[0041] The drive train may be driven in a third mode by operation
of the lock mechanism contained within the closure.
[0042] The drive train may comprise a geared transmission assembly
between a thumb turn wheel and the clutch assembly.
[0043] The geared transmission assembly may comprise an input shaft
for receiving torque from the thumb turn wheel.
[0044] The geared transmission assembly may comprise at least a
first output shaft and a second output shaft for supplying torque
to the clutch assembly.
[0045] The geared transmission assembly may comprise a gear train
coupling the first output shaft and the second output shaft.
[0046] Either the first output shaft or the second output shaft may
be coupled to the clutch assembly dependent on whether the prime
mover and the clutch assembly are mounted to a motor carriage in a
first configuration or a second configuration.
[0047] The drive train may comprise an insert for transmitting
torque between the clutch assembly and the lock mechanism.
[0048] The insert may be configured to be coupled between the
clutch mechanism and a lock tailpiece of the lock mechanism.
[0049] The insert may be selected from a plurality of types of
insert, each type of insert being configured to fit a different
design of lock tailpiece.
[0050] The lock tailpiece may be configured to replace a whole or a
part of the lock mechanism of the closure.
[0051] The lock tailpiece may be pre-existing in the lock and shoot
bolt of the door closure, or selected from a plurality of types of
lock tailpiece, each type of lock tailpiece being configured to be
used with a different design of lock mechanism.
[0052] The smart lock may further comprise a mounting plate.
[0053] The mounting plate may be selected from a plurality of types
of mounting plate, each type of mounting plate being configured to
be used with a different design of lock mechanism.
[0054] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a locking
system comprising a smart lock as described above, a hub and an
app.
[0055] The system may further comprise a plurality of inserts,
wherein a one of the plurality of inserts may be selected for
installing the smart lock on a closure containing a locking
mechanism.
[0056] Each type of insert may be configured to fit a different
design of lock tailpiece.
[0057] The system may further comprise a plurality of mounting
plates, wherein a one of the plurality of mounting plates may be
selected for installing the smart lock on a closure containing a
locking mechanism.
[0058] Each type of mounting plate may be configured to fit a
different design of lock mechanism.
[0059] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method
of operating a smart lock to secure and/or to release a closure,
for example a swing door, comprising:
[0060] operating an actuator to actuate a lock mechanism contained
within the closure to secure and/or to release the lock mechanism;
and
[0061] utilising a receiver to wirelessly receive a signal to
control operation of the actuator.
[0062] The receiver may be paired with a mobile device, for example
a smartphone, and may detect the presence of the mobile device
within a field of range of the receiver to control operation of the
actuator such that presence of the mobile device within the field
of range of the receiver results in release of the lock
mechanism.
[0063] The receiver may receive a signal from a third party mobile
device and confirm with an external server permission for actuation
of the lock mechanism by the third party device.
[0064] Confirmation of permission may involve verification of a
current time with a permission time.
[0065] The method may comprise use of a Bluetooth receiver, for
example a near field Bluetooth receiver.
[0066] The method may comprise use of a Wi-Fi receiver.
[0067] The method may comprise turning a thumb turn wheel to allow
manual operation from an interior.
[0068] The method may comprise using a button of the thumb turn
wheel to actuate the lock mechanism contained within the closure to
secure the lock mechanism after a predetermined delay period.
[0069] The method may comprise pressing the button twice to actuate
the lock mechanism contained within the closure to secure the lock
mechanism after a predetermined delay period.
[0070] The method may comprise setting the predetermined delay
period by operation of an external app.
[0071] The smart lock may be pairable to a hub by wireless
communication, for example Wi-Fi.
[0072] Operation of the smart lock may be configurable remotely via
the hub.
[0073] The smart lock may be activated in a variety of modes,
including at least manual activation by rotation of a thumb turn
wheel and driven actuation by operation of a prime mover of the
smart lock.
[0074] The prime mover may be a motor that actuates a drive train
of the smart lock.
[0075] The method may further comprise utilising secure encrypted
server single use digital keys to operate the smart lock.
[0076] The secure encrypted server single use digital keys may
allow one lock control operation (lock or unlock) each in a
situation where the app is offline.
[0077] The method may further comprise calibrating during
installation the smart lock to establish parameters of the lock
mechanism of the closure in a firmware of the smart lock.
[0078] The method may comprise calibrating the smart lock by
rotating a thumb turn wheel in to a series of orientations and
storing these in an internal memory of the smart lock.
[0079] Parameters stored in the internal memory may comprise one or
more of the start and stop position of rotation of the thumb turn
wheel to carry out a command, the angular distance (for example in
degrees) and duration (for example in seconds) of rotation, any
positions that pauses in rotation are required and any "neutral
position" that the lock should return to after the command has been
carried out.
[0080] The smart lock may also utilise "over current detection"
wherein the smart lock firmware detects when the motor is trying to
drive against a hard mechanical end stop for greater than a
specific period of time, for example 300-500 milliseconds, which
then indicates that the shoot bolt of the lock mechanism has
reached the end of its travel e.g. is fully open or fully closed.
This may also be used to determine the orientation of the rotation.
If the individual indicators of position do not tally up the smart
lock determines that a malfunction has occurred. e.g. that the
mechanical stop is detected in the wrong orientation which may
indicate that the shoot bolt is not fully closed.
[0081] The smart lock, system and method of the present disclosure
may have a number of advantages:
[0082] An output shaft of the motor may be fitted with a pinion
gear that interacts and drives a clutch gear that may be in the
form of bevelled gear. This bevelled gear may be mounted in such a
way that the axis is at 90 degrees to the axis of the motor output
shaft. This allows the motor to be positioned in the smart lock
body in a way that reduces the overall size of the body and is
therefore compatible with a larger range of closure
configurations.
[0083] The bevelled gear may drive a clutch assembly which enables
free rotation of the lock mechanism key and the thumb turn wheel
without interaction with the motor.
[0084] The components of the clutch assembly may be mounted
concentrically which allows for a smaller overall body size and is
therefore compatible with a larger range of closure
configurations.
[0085] The motor and clutch assembly may be mounted on the motor
carriage which can be pre-assembled prior to assembly into the main
body. This configuration allows for the motor and clutch assembly
to be mounted in a variety of positions and orientations. This
variety of positions enables the smart lock to be compatible with a
wide range of closure lock configurations whilst still maintaining
the same visual exterior components of the smart lock.
[0086] The thumb turn wheel may rotate around a fixed point and may
be connected to the clutch assembly by means of the geared
transmission assembly. This may enable the thumb turn wheel to
maintain continuous power transmission to the existing closure lock
mechanism, regardless of which position the motor and clutch
assembly is mounted within the smart lock body. This enables the
smart lock to be compatible with a wide range of closure lock
mechanisms whilst still maintaining the same visual exterior
components of the smart lock.
[0087] The geared transmission assembly may comprise multiple gears
of a 1:1 ratio and idler gears to transmit the equivalent torque,
force and rotational speed, regardless of the positional
relationship between the motor and thumb turn wheel.
[0088] The cover over the batteries may rotate around a single
centre of rotation regardless of the position of any of the
internal components.
[0089] The battery cover may enable the user to change the
batteries without the use of any tools.
[0090] The smart lock may contain multiple LEDs mounted in such a
way that they communicate to the user that a command has be
successfully or unsuccessfully carried out.
[0091] During installation calibration the user may rotate the
thumb turn in to a series of orientations and these positions are
stored by the smart lock's internal memory. This may then indicate
to the smart lock what closure lock mechanism the smart lock is
interacting with and the smart lock internal control system
(firmware) may then control the lock appropriately. This may enable
the smart lock to be compatible with a wider range of door lock
mechanisms. For example the tailpiece on a standard deadbolt will
rotate through 90 degrees between its open and closed positions.
When the key is used from the outside to open and close the lock
mechanism, the tailpiece is also rotated and therefore the insert
and clutch body in the smart lock are rotated. During calibration
the firmware may detect that the lock is rotated 90 degrees and is
therefore of the deadbolt configuration. When subsequently
controlling the lock it may control it through 90 degrees of
rotation only (after which the motor may reverse direction to the
neutral position so that the clutch is not engaged). When operating
a Euro cylinder lock pr certain Scandinavian locks the lock may
turn through 180 degrees. When operating certain other Scandinavian
locks the lock may turn through 360 degrees. Each time the smart
lock is calibrated it is then configured to operate the lock it is
attached to to the optimum level. If it was not calibrated and
configured this way the smart lock could try to turn a deadbolt
requiring 90 degrees of motion though 360 degrees therefore
unnecessarily wasting battery life.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0092] By way of example only, embodiments of the present
disclosure will now be described with reference to, and as shown
in, the following drawings, in which:
[0093] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smart lock according to
the present disclosure;
[0094] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the smart lock of FIG. 1
with a front cover in an open position;
[0095] FIG. 3 is a front view of the smart lock of FIG. 2;
[0096] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hub that in use is
associated with the smart lock of FIG. 1;
[0097] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the smart lock of
FIG. 1;
[0098] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 5;
[0099] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of another portion of FIG. 5;
[0100] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
smart lock of FIG. 1;
[0101] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a clutch assembly
of the smart lock of FIG. 1;
[0102] FIG. 10 is a sectioned view of a portion of the smart lock
of FIG. 1;
[0103] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the smart lock
of FIG. 1;
[0104] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the portion of FIG. 11 from
another angle together with a geared transmission assembly
assembled therewith;
[0105] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the smart lock of FIG. 1;
[0106] FIG. 14 are perspective views of the motor and clutch
assembly of the smart lock of FIG. 1 mounted to a motor carriage of
the smart lock in a first and second position;
[0107] FIG. 15 are perspective views of the portions of FIG. 14
from another angle;
[0108] FIG. 16 is an illustration of the smart lock of FIG. 1
installed on a swing door;
[0109] FIG. 17 is an illustration of the smart lock of FIG. 1
installed on another swing door in an alternative
configuration;
[0110] FIG. 18 is an illustration of the installation of FIG. 5
with a front cover of the smart lock in an open position; and
[0111] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating various
dimensions of the smart lock.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0112] FIGS. 1 to 15 illustrate a smart lock 1 according to the
present disclosure. In the following, by way of example only, the
smart lock 1 will be described and illustrated for use in securing
a domestic, swing door 5. However, the smart lock 1 may be used to
secure other doors and other types of closure if desired.
[0113] The smart lock 1 is part of an ecosystem comprising the
smart lock 1, a hub 2 (shown in FIG. 4) and an app (which may be
installed and run on a suitable device, for example a smart phone).
The ecosystem provides a means of unlocking a home without a
physical key. The ecosystem also provides a `digital home concierge
service` in that through the smart lock 1 which is connected via
the hub 2 to the app one can utilise the ecosystem to help manage
deliveries, cleaners, childcare, visitors, etc.
[0114] The smart lock 1 is designed to retrofit a range of locks
and doors globally. The smart lock 1 is retro fitted to the
Interior face 6 of the door 5 as shown for example in FIGS. 16 to
18. The smart lock 1 is enabled to fit most Scandinavian, Euro
cylinder and US deadlocks and can easily be installed by a
customer. The smart lock 1 may be designed to interface with at
least a part of the lock mechanism pre-existing within the door 5,
for example, the shoot bolt.
[0115] The smart lock 1 generally comprises a main body 8, a front
cover 9, a motor and drive assembly, a thumb turn wheel 12 and a
plurality of inserts 25 which interface with an existing lock
tailpiece 105, 106 or a replacement lock tailpiece 105, 106 of the
lock mechanism of the door 5. The smart lock 1 is efficiently
powered by batteries 11 which are mounted within the interior of
the smart lock 1 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0116] The main body 8 may comprise an aluminium extrusion and may
contain screw bosses that the products main components (e.g. the
motor and drive assembly) are attached to, ensuring that all visual
and functional tolerances are highly controlled. Advantageously, a
continuous metal path through the smart lock 1 may be provided to
ensure safety and security. For instance, all internal components
that connect the thumb turn wheel 12 at the front of the smart lock
1 to the lock adaptor at the rear of the smart lock 1 are metal too
to ensure a continuous durable link with the lock components within
the door 5. The aluminium extrusion may be clear anodised to suit a
wide range of door interiors and ease of colour matching during
manufacture. The main body 8 may comprise an edge chamfer.
[0117] The front cover 9 may be a two part construction and may be
made from durable, impact resistant polycarbonate and back painted
to enable a range of easily adaptable colour options, whilst also
being BLE transparent. The front cover 9 assembly may rotate
concentrically around the thumb turn wheel 12 as shown in FIGS. 2
and 18 to reveal the batteries 11 when they need replacing. The
front cover 9 may also contain strategically positioned magnets
that hold the front cover 9 either open for battery changing, or
closed during use.
[0118] The thumb turn wheel 12 may comprise an outer textured
surface 13 which may be produced by a CNC machining technique. The
textured surface 13 enables users to grip and turn the thumb turn
wheel 12 with ease, allowing the user to open and close the door
manually from the interior if desired. The centre of the thumb turn
wheel 12 may comprise a button 14 which may be used to activate the
smart lock 1 as an alternative to using the app. For example, when
the button 14 is double tapped, the smart lock 1 may be activated
to conveniently secure the door 5 once the user has left--for
example after a pre-set time delay. For this reason the thumb turn
wheel centre may be clear back painted polycarbonate or glass which
helps to convey the intuitive operation of a button. The duration
of the predetermined or pre-set time delay may be configured by a
user by operation of the app. In one example the predetermined time
delay is 8 seconds.
[0119] The motor of the motor and drive assembly is housed within
the main body 8 and acts as a prime mover of the smart lock 1 to
output a torque to operate, via a drive train, the lock mechanism
within the door 5 via the smart lock's insert 25. A clutch assembly
30 may be provided as will be described in more detail below. The
clutch assembly 30 may form a part of the drive train.
[0120] The mechanical design of the smart lock 1 will now be
described, by way of example only, in further detail with reference
to FIGS. 5 to 15. As shown in FIG. 5, the main components of the
smart lock 1 may include the thumb turn wheel 12, an LED assembly
20, the front cover 9, a battery housing 21, a geared transmission
assembly 22, the main body 8, the motor 24, a motor carriage 23,
the insert 25, a mounting plate 26, a vibration isolator 27 and a
PCB 100. The smart lock 1 may be adapted to interface with the
existing lock tailpiece 105, 106 of the lock mechanism of the door
5 or, where necessary, a replacement lock tailpiece 105, 106 may be
provided with the smart lock 1 as part of a system which is fitted
to the door 5 during installation. FIG. 5 shows a first type of
lock tailpiece 105 and a second type of lock tailpiece 106. The
first type of lock tailpiece 105 may form part of a Euro-cylinder
type of lock mechanism. The second type of lock tailpiece 106 may
form part of an Assa.RTM. design of lock mechanism found, for
example, in Sweden. Other types of lock tailpiece may be driven by
the smart lock 1 by provision of suitably shaped inserts 25. As
noted above, the lock tailpieces 105, 106 may be provided as part
of the smart lock 1 (in which case the lock tailpieces 105, 106 may
be considered to form part of the drive train of the smart lock 1)
or may be provided separately thereto as part of a system (in which
case the lock tailpieces 105, 106 may be considered to be driven by
the drive train of the smart lock 1).
[0121] Advantageously, the smart lock 1 can be configured to be
compatible with a wide range of types of lock mechanism. This
advantage is further enabled by the provision of a number of
different types of mounting plate 26 and insert 25 as shown in FIG.
5. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates three inserts 25, the use of
which will be described further below. One of the inserts 25 may be
selected to be used as part of the smart lock 1 depending on the
type of lock mechanism in use. Similarly, FIG. 5 illustrates five
designs of mounting plate 26. One of these may be selected
depending on the design of the lock mechanism in use. As shown in
more detail in FIG. 7, the mounting plates 26 may be provided with
an aperture to allow the insert 25 to project therethrough and also
mounting apertures 49 to allow mounting screws 50 or similar
fixatives to pass through to mount the mounting plate 26 to the
closure such as a door 5. Additional mounting apertures 44 may also
be provided which allow the main body 8 to be fixedly mounted to
the mounting plate 26,
[0122] The components of the thumb turn wheel 12 are shown in more
detail in FIG. 6 and FIG. 13 and may comprise a thumb turn wheel
outer 39 which may bear the outer textured surface 13, a thumb turn
wheel inner 40, the LED assembly 20 including a PCB-mounted switch
19, and a spring 41 together with other fixing components as
required. As shown in FIG. 13, the thumb turn wheel outer 39 may
comprise a spigot 90 which is received within an aperture of the
thumb turn wheel inner 40 so that the thumb turn wheel outer 39 may
rotate relative to the thumb turn wheel inner 40. An inner end of
the spigot 90 may be provided with a keyway 91 which may be shaped
as a slot the use of which will be described further below.
[0123] The smart lock 1 further comprises the PCB 100 which
contains control circuitry, memory, processors, a receiver for
wireless communication, etc. The PCB 100 may be mounted to an inner
face of the battery housing 21 by suitable means such as adhesive
or fixtures such as rivets, screws or bolts. Components of the PCB
100 may receive electric power from the batteries 11.
[0124] The LED assembly 20 may be housed between the thumb turn
wheel outer 39 and the thumb turn wheel inner 40 and may comprise
one or more LEDs for providing illumination through or past parts
of the thumb turn wheel outer 39 to thereby reflect on the front
cover 9. For example, the thumb turn wheel inner 40 may be formed
of translucent or transparent material and the LED illumination may
be refracted through the thumb turn wheel inner 40 onto a face of
the cover 9 so as to generate the impression of an annular
illuminated `ring` on the front cover 9 around the thumb turn wheel
12. The LEDs may receive electric power from the batteries 11. The
spring 41 may enable the thumb turn wheel outer 39 (and the button
14) to be depressed relative to the thumb turn wheel inner 40 and
the PCB-mounted switch 19 of the LED assembly 20 so as to enable
push button actuation of the PCB-mounted switch 19 and thereby
enable actuation of various functions of the smart lock 1.
[0125] As shown in FIG. 13, the thumb turn wheel inner 40 may be
mounted to a projection on the battery housing 21 and the battery
housing 21 may in turn be securely mounted to the main body 8 of
the smart lock 1. As shown in FIG. 11, when the thumb turn wheel 12
is assembled to the battery housing 21, the inner end of the spigot
90 may project through an aperture in the battery housing 21 such
that the keyway 91 may be exposed into a recess 92 which may
receive on assembly the gear transmission assembly 22 as shown in
FIG. 12.
[0126] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the gear transmission assembly
22 may comprise a first peg 94 and a second peg 95. The first peg
94 and the second peg 95 may be mounted parallel to one another and
off set from one another such that the axes of rotation of the
first peg 94 and the second peg 95 may both be parallel to the axis
of rotation of the thumb turn wheel 12. The axis of rotation of the
first peg 94 may be coincident with the axis of rotation of the
thumb turn wheel 12. In addition, the geared transmission assembly
22 may comprise a plurality of gears 96 which rotatively couple the
first peg 94 to the second peg 95. Preferably, a 1:1 gear ratio
between the first peg 94 and the second peg 95 is provided such
that on rotation of the first peg 94, the second peg 95 is
configured to rotate in the same sense and at the same rotational
speed. To enable this, the plurality of gears 96 may comprise a
first gear wheel which may comprise gear teeth provided on a
periphery of the first peg 94, a second gear wheel which may
comprise gear teeth provided on a periphery of the second peg 95
and an idler gear that meshes between the first gear wheel and the
second gear wheel. As shown in FIG. 13, an outer end of the first
peg 94 may be provided with a slot shaped projection sized and
dimensioned to be received within the keyway 91 of the spigot 90.
The outer end of the first peg 94 may thus form an input shaft for
receiving torque from the thumb turn wheel 12. As shown in FIG. 12,
the inner ends of the first peg 94 and the second peg 95 may be
provided with slot shaped projections, which may form output
shafts, the use of which will be described further below.
[0127] The smart lock 1 may further be provided with means for
determining the degree and rotational direction of movement of the
drive train. This means may comprise the provision of complimentary
magnetic means and sensing means. In one example one or more
magnets may be provided on, in, or coupled to the geared
transmission assembly 22 such that the one or more magnets are
driven to rotate in sync with rotation of the first peg 94. The
sensing means may be located in proximity to the geared
transmission assembly 22 to sense the direction of rotation of the
first peg 94 and the angular degree of revolution by sensing the
varying magnetic field of the moving magnetic means. The sensing
means may be operatively connected to the processing means of the
PCB 100 and the smart lock's firmware may utilise the sensed data
to establish, directly or by inference, the direction of rotation,
speed of rotation, angular distance of rotation and/or duration of
rotation. For example, the sensing means may be an IC chip mounted
on the PCB 100. In one example, the magnetic means may be a BMN 35H
diametral magnetised magnet with a 5 degree angle deviation
tolerance that is coupled to rotate together with the idler gear of
the geared transmission assembly 22. The sensing means may be a
Hall-effect sensor or sensor array that, preferably, is formed as
an IC mounted to a portion of the PCB 100 that extends beneath the
location of the geared transmission assembly 22. The BMN 35H magnet
may be suitably magnetised to produce a varying magnetic field at
the location of the Hall-effect sensor or sensor array on rotation
of the first peg 94 which is coupled to the idler gear.
[0128] The clutch assembly 30 of the smart lock 1 is shown in more
detail in FIGS. 9 and 10. The clutch assembly 30 may comprise a
clutch body 55, a clutch 56, a bevel gear 57 and a clutch chassis
58. The components of the clutch assembly 30 may be assembled
together and mounted to the motor carriage 23 as shown in FIG. 8
together with the motor 24. The clutch body 55, clutch 56 and bevel
gear 57 may be mounted concentrically. The motor 24 may be an
electric motor. The motor 24 may receive electric power from the
batteries 11. An output shaft of the motor 24 may be coupled to a
pinion gear 80 which is configured to couple to the bevel gear 57
of the clutch assembly 30. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the axis of
rotation of the output shaft of the motor 24 may be perpendicular
to the rotational axis of the clutch assembly 30 (including the
bevel gear 57).
[0129] The clutch body 55 may comprise a circular flange 75 and a
spigot 73 which projects outwardly from the flange 75. An outer end
of the spigot 73 may be provided with a key hole slot 74. The
clutch body 55 may further comprise on an opposite side of the
flange 75 from the spigot 73 a cylindrical extension 76. As shown
in FIG. 10, the cylindrical extension 76 may be closed at an outer
end by the flange 75 but may be open at an inner end and may define
a bore 83 which may be generally circular but is preferably
provided with two axially orientated keyed slots 84 that may be
located on opposed points of the bore 83.
[0130] Further, an outer surface of the cylindrical extension 76
may be provided with an annular recess 82. Further, an inner face
of the flange 75 may be provided with a contact block 72 as shown
in FIG. 9, the use of which will be described further below.
[0131] The clutch 56 may comprise a clutch ring 64 and a clutch tab
63 which may extend radially outwardly from the clutch ring 64.
[0132] The bevel gear 57 may comprise a plurality of gear teeth 77
upon its inner face. On the opposite outer face of the bevel gear
57 a recess may be provided in which can be received the clutch 56.
A contact block 78 may be provided within the recess at the
periphery of the bevel gear 57.
[0133] The clutch chassis 58 may be provided with means for
coupling the clutch chassis 58 to the motor carriage 23 which may
be in the form of screw or bolt holes. In addition, a mounting
frame 52 may be provided to which the motor 24 can be connected.
The clutch chassis 58 may be provided with an aperture to enable
the cylindrical extension 76 of the clutch body 55 to project
therethrough.
[0134] As shown in FIG. 8, the motor carriage 23 may be provided
with an aperture 61 through which the cylindrical extension 76 may
project. The aperture 61 may be shaped in the form of two circular
apertures that are overlapping one another to result in an aperture
in the form of a "figure of eight" shape. This may enable the
cylindrical extension 76 to be located in first or second locations
within the aperture 61 as will be described further below. The
motor carriage 23 may be further provided with a plurality of
mounting bosses 62. As shown in the example, three mounting bosses
62 may be provided on each side of the aperture 61. The aperture 61
may take other shapes. In another example, the aperture may take
the form of a slot shape so that multiple positons could be
selected, with the location of the cylindrical extension 76 within
the slot being selected by the provision of a plurality of the
mounting bosses 62 extending along the length of the slot.
[0135] As shown in FIG. 8, other fixing components may be provided
to enable optimum assembly of the clutch assembly 30 and the motor
24 with the motor carriage 23. For example, a retainer 59 and plate
60 may be interposed between the motor 24 and the mounting frame 52
of the clutch chassis 58. Further, a blanking plate 81 may be
provided between the motor carriage 23 and the clutch chassis 58.
The blanking plate 81 may be reversible and may comprise a circular
aperture sized to permit the cylindrical extension 76 to project
therethrough. Thus, dependent on which portion of the aperture 61
is chosen for the location of the cylindrical extension 76, the
blanking plate 81 may be used to blank off the remaining,
unoccupied, portion of the aperture 61. In addition, a washer 70
and circlip 71 may be provided beneath the clutch chassis 58 to
retain the clutch body 55 to the clutch chassis 58 by engagement of
the circlip 71 in the annular recess 82.
[0136] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the clutch assembly 30 and motor
24 assembled together and mounted to the motor carriage 23. An
upper portion of each Figure illustrates the clutch assembly 30
mounted in the first location and the lower portion of each Figure
shows the clutch assembly 30 mounted in the second location. As
most clearly shown in FIG. 15, in the first location, the
cylindrical extension 76 projects through one end of the aperture
61 with the remaining portion of the aperture 61 closed off by the
blanking plate 81. In the second location the cylindrical extension
76 projects through the other end of the aperture 61 and, again,
the blanking plate 81 seals off the remainder of the aperture 61.
As shown most clearly in FIG. 14, the plural mounting bosses 62 of
the motor carriage 23 allow for fixedly retaining the clutch
chassis 58 in either the first or second location. For example,
with the clutch assembly 30 in the first location, fixtures such as
screws or bolts may be engaged in the endmost mounting boss 62 on
each side of the motor carriage 23. In the second location, the
fixtures may be located into the middle mounting boss 62 as
illustrated. It will be readily apparent that other configurations
are possible. In particular, other shapes of aperture 61 may be
provided that enable more than two locations for the cylindrical
extension 76. Likewise, additional mounting bosses 62 may be
provided to enable additional mounting locations for the clutch
assembly 30.
[0137] To assemble the smart lock 1, the clutch assembly 30 and
motor 24 may first be assembled to the motor carriage 23 to form a
sub-assembly which may then be mounted to the main body 8 using
suitable fixtures such as screws or bolts. As shown in FIG. 10, the
clutch assembly 30 may itself be assembled by stacking and
inserting the clutch body 55, clutch 56 and bevel gear 57 into the
clutch chassis 58. The washer 70 may also be coupled and the
assembly retained by attaching the circlip 71 into the annular
recess 82. The output shaft and pinion gear 80 of the motor 24 may
be coupled through the side of the clutch chassis 58 such that the
gear teeth of the pinion gear 80 mesh with the gear teeth 77 of the
bevel gear 57. On assembly and mounting to the motor carriage 23,
the blanking plate 81 may be suitably orientated depending on the
portion of the aperture 61 through which the cylindrical extension
76 projects.
[0138] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the front cover 9 and thumb
turn wheel 12 may be assembled on to the battery housing 21 which
is then itself secured onto the main body 8 by suitable fixtures
such as screws or bolts. As shown in FIG. 13, on assembly, the
keyway 91 in the end of the spigot 90 of the thumb turn wheel inner
40 may be received on the outer end of the first peg 94.
[0139] In the example of FIG. 13, the key hole 74 of the spigot 73
of the clutch body 55 is received on the inner end of the second
peg 95 which equates to the clutch assembly 30 being mounted in the
first location on the motor carriage 23 as shown in the top part of
FIGS. 14 and 15. Depending on the mounting location of the clutch
assembly 30 on the motor carriage 23 the key hole 74 of the spigot
73 may be received on the inner end of the first peg 94. The inner
end of the first peg 94 and the inner end of the second peg 95 may
both form output shafts of the geared transmission assembly 22 for
supplying torque to the clutch body 55.
[0140] The vibration isolator 27 can then be affixed to the outer
face of the motor carriage 23 and the smart lock 1 is then ready
for assembly to the insert 25 and mounting plate 26.
[0141] When fixing the smart lock 1 to the door 5, the appropriate
mounting plate 26 and insert 25 is chosen. The insert 25 comprises
a cylindrical element having a bore. The bore may preferably have
the same cross-sectional shape along its length or may have a
different cross sectional shape at one end to the other. The insert
25 may be also provided with two longitudinal ribs that extend
outwardly from its cylindrical body. The ribs may be shaped to be
received within the keyed slots 84 of the cylindrical extension 76.
The shape of the bore within each insert 25 may be configured to
match the shape of a lock tailpiece 105, 106. For example, a first
insert 25 may have a bore shaped to receive the first lock
tailpiece 105 and a second insert 25 may have a bore shaped to
receive the second lock tailpiece 106.
[0142] To install and mount the smart lock 1 to the closure 5, a
user may use the pre-existing lock tailpiece 105, 106 of the
closure 5 if compatible. If not, a replacement lock tailpiece 105,
106 may first be installed into the closure 5. Thus, installation
may involve replacing the pre-existing lock mechanism or a part of
the lock mechanism of closure 5. Typically where the lock mechanism
in the closure 5 comprises a Euro-cylinder, the replacement lock
tailpiece 105 will be needed (which may include an integrated
cylinder) as Euro-cylinders are not typically configured with
extended tailpieces. The correct mounting plate 26 is then chosen
and mounted to the closure 5 using suitable fixtures such as screws
or bolts and mounting apertures 49. The required insert 25 may then
be mounted over the lock tailpiece 105, 106. At this point, a
remainder of the smart lock 1 may be mounted to the door 5 with the
end of the insert 25 being received within the bore 83 of the
cylindrical extension 76 such that the ribs of the insert 25 are
received within the keyed slots 84.
[0143] The body 8 of the smart lock 1 may then be fixedly retained
to the mounting plate 26 by use of fixtures such as long bolts or
screws 16 that pass through mounting bosses of the body 8 and the
additional mounting apertures 44 of the mounting plate 26. Access
to install or remove the long bolts or screws 16 may be achieved by
rotation of the front cover 9. Thus, the user does not need to
dismantle other parts of the smart lock 1 in order to install or
remove the smart lock 1 to or from the mounting plate 26.
[0144] In use, the smart lock 1 may be used in a variety of modes
for operating the lock mechanism of the closure 5. In a first mode
the lock mechanism may be actuated by manual rotation of the thumb
turn wheel 12. In this mode, rotation of the thumb turn wheel outer
39 rotates the integral spigot 90 which rotates, as shown in FIG.
13, the first peg 94. This then rotates the plurality of gears 96
of the geared transmission assembly 22 causing the second peg 95 to
rotate and with it the attached clutch body 55. In turn the clutch
body 55 may drive rotation of the insert 25 and the connected lock
tailpiece 105, 106. Due to the nature of the clutch assembly 30,
manual rotation of the clutch body 55 can initially take place
without corresponding rotation of the bevel gear 57 because the
starting location of the contact block 72 is displaced from both
the clutch tab 63 of the clutch 56 and the contact block 78 of the
bevel gear 57. Rotation of the clutch body 55 will first bring the
contact block 72 into contact with clutch tab 63 allowing torque to
be transmitted from the clutch body 55 to the clutch 56.
Thereafter, both will rotate together until they contact the
contact block 78. At this point, further rotation manually of the
clutch body 55 is prevented because the bevel gear 57 is prevented
from rotating relative to the clutch chassis 58 due to engagement
of the teeth 77 with the pinion gear 80. This mechanism may allow a
significant degree of manual rotation of the clutch body 55 to be
achieved. For example, up to 700.degree. of rotation may be
accommodated before the thumb turn wheel rotation will engage the
motor pinion gear. Rotation of the clutch body 55 may lead to
corresponding rotation of the cylindrical extension 76 and of the
insert 25 received therein. Rotation of the insert 25 leads to
corresponding rotation of the pre-existing or replacement tailpiece
105, 106 leading to operation of the mechanism of the closure 5.
Thus, in this mode the thumb turn wheel 12 may allow for manual
operation of the lock mechanism by driving under manual force the
drive train (or at least a part of the drive train) of the smart
lock 1.
[0145] In a second mode, the smart lock 1 may be operated by
engagement of a key in the opposite side of the closure 5 i.e. by
operation of the lock mechanism from the other side of the closure
to which the smart lock 1 is mounted. Operation of the lock
mechanism in the normal manner leads to rotation of the tailpiece
105 and rotation of the insert 25 which is mounted thereto. This
leads to rotation of the clutch body 55 which is free to rotate
relative to the clutch chassis 58 as described above. This does not
engage the motor 24 whilst doing so.
[0146] The third mode of operation is where the smart lock 1 may be
operated by the prime mover which may be in the form of the motor
24. This mode may be used when the smart lock 1 is activated either
by receipt of the receiver of the PCB 100 of wireless commands or
by input of commands using the button 14 of the thumb turn wheel
12. In this mode, actuation of the motor 24 leads to rotation of
its output shaft and the pinion gear 80 mounted thereto. Rotation
of the pinion gear 80 leads to rotation of the bevel gear 57.
Rotation of the contact block 78 of the bevel gear 57 brings the
contact block 78 into contact with the clutch tab 63 allowing
torque to be transmitted from the bevel gear 57 to the clutch 56.
Thereafter, the contact block 78 and/or the clutch tab 63 may be
rotated into contact with the contact block 72 of the clutch body
55 allowing torque to be transmitted from the clutch 56 to the
clutch body 55. As described above, rotation of the clutch body 55
leads to rotation of the insert 25 and the attached tailpiece 105
and operation of the lock mechanism of the closure. Thus, in this
mode the motor 24 may allow for powered operation of the lock
mechanism by driving the drive train (or at least a part of the
drive train) of the smart lock 1.
[0147] During installation the smart lock 1 may be calibrated by
the user by rotating the thumb turn wheel 12 in to a series of
orientations and these positions are stored by the smart lock's
internal memory. This then indicates to the smart lock 1 the type
of door lock mechanism the smart lock 1 is interacting with and the
smart lock's internal control system (firmware) can then control
the lock mechanism appropriately. This enables the smart lock 1 to
be compatible with a wider range of door lock configurations.
[0148] This calibration control system may include the start and
stop position of rotation of the thumb turn wheel 12 to carry out a
command, the angular distance (for example in degrees) and duration
(for example in seconds) of rotation, any positions that pauses in
rotation are required and any "neutral position" that the lock
should return to after the command has been carried out. This
enables the smart lock 1 to be compatible with a wider range of
door lock mechanisms.
[0149] The calibration may be carried out in conjunction with the
external app.
[0150] In one example of calibration, the thumb turn wheel 12 is
first turned to the fully locked position and then to the fully
unlocked position (or vice versa). The smart lock 1 may use a
combination of the complimentary magnetic means and sensing means
described above provided on, in, or coupled to the gearbox
transmission assembly 22 and "over current sensing" of the motor 24
to program the smart lock's firmware as to which position is locked
and unlocked. The firmware then subsequently controls the motor 24
to turn the pinion gear 80 in the correct direction of rotation to
the appropriate degree to actuate a user command inputted via the
button 14 of via the external app.
[0151] As noted above, the clutch assembly 30 may be mounted to the
motor carriage 23 in at least two locations. In the illustrated
embodiment of FIG. 13, the first peg 95 is engaged with the spigot
73 of the clutch body 55. Where the clutch assembly is mounted in
the other location on the motor carriage 23, the spigot 73 will be
engaged on the end of the first peg 94 and will be rotated directly
by rotation of the first peg 94. In this mode of operation the
second peg 95 can continue to rotate freely but is not used as part
of the drive train.
[0152] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the smart lock 1 may be
installed on the door 5 in different orientations, for example
either way up. This increases the flexibility of the smart lock 1
and allows it to be installed on a wider range of doors.
[0153] The smart lock 1 communicates with the smart phone app via
the hub 2. Communication between the smart lock 1 and the hub 2 may
be by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or a combination thereof. Preferably the
communication uses Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication. In one
example, the smart lock 1 and hub 2 may comprise BLE chip sets.
[0154] For example, suitable chipsets are available from Nordic
Semiconductor, Oslo, Norway, including the nRF52 Series chipsets.
In one example, the smart lock 1 and hub 2 may comprise Wi-Fi
chipsets. For example, a suitable chipset is the BCM43362 from
Cypress Semiconductor, San Jose, USA.
[0155] Secure encrypted server single use digital keys may be used
to operate the smart lock 1. The smart lock 1 app control may uses
a unique system that allows use when the user's device running the
app (e.g. mobile phone) is not online or connected to a mobile
network. The smart lock 1 operation may utilise a system with
one-time digitally encrypted keys that may allow for one lock
control operation (lock or unlock) each. The user's device may
download and store a limited number of single use digital keys, for
example five, so that if the app is offline the user can control
the lock for a limited number of single actuations. The app may be
configured to replenish the store of single use digital keys once
the app is back online again.
[0156] The hub 2 may be a Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi bridge. This
permits the smart lock 1 to be communicated with directly (for
example by Bluetooth) as well as via the hub 2 (for example by
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi).
[0157] The app may provide additional functionality. The app may
allow a user to manage `key` ownership to allow access through the
door 5 in a flexible and varied manner. Using secure back end
servers with bank grade encryption, one can enable: [0158] one off
access; [0159] access limited to certain times; and [0160] ongoing
access.
[0161] The `keys` can be retracted/deactivated by the user at any
time. Such an ecosystem may advantageously improve the logistics of
third parties wishing to access the door 5. For example, this can
include benefits to service partners such as delivery companies,
domestic service and maintenance operators. Distribution and
deliveries may also have reduced environmental impact, as they can
be scheduled with the most efficient, time and fuel efficient
routes since access through the door 5 on arrival will be
guaranteed by operation of the smart lock 1.
[0162] The ecosystem provided by the smart lock 1, hub 2 and app
may comprise an app dashboard that, for example, lets a user know
that the batteries 11 have been successfully replaced; that a dog
walker has arrived and subsequently dropped him home again an hour
later; remind you that a plumber is scheduled for tomorrow
afternoon and they will have one off access for 30 minutes to fix
the leaking tap in time for your weekend guests to arrive.
[0163] The smart lock 1, hub 2 and app permit controlled, secure
access through closures, for example, the front door of a domestic
residence, to trusted people and with that, change the way users
live. The ecosystem enables a user to visualise, manage and control
the comings and goings in their home. In addition, ecosystem will
allow a `digital home concierge` facility--as one arrives home, the
smart lock 1 recognises the user (for example by Bluetooth and or
Wi-Fi communication) and unlocks, so there is no wrestling with
bags and keys. In another example a user will find parcel
deliveries safely in their house since the delivery company has
been provided with scheduled access.
[0164] Advantageously, the door 5 may still be opened by operating
the lock from the exterior using a physical key or manually from
the inside by turning the thumb turn wheel 12 if the user
chooses.
[0165] Advantageously, the smart lock 1 may be of a physical size
that permits it to be fitted to a wide range of existing lock
mechanisms that are found in different countries. As shown in FIG.
19, the size of the smart lock 1 takes into account the constraints
given by the smallest and largest Euro-cylinder lock back sets. In
addition, the constraint that the main housing 8 cover the size of
the large hole that needs to be cut in doors that contain a lock
mechanism with deadbolt is satisfied. Deadbolts are more common in
the US, Canada, Caribbean and South America. Further, the smart
lock 1 size may need to accommodate the most common sizes of door
handle and rose geometry. As shown in FIG. 19, the constraints may
include: [0166] the size of the handle rose 110 that may be 50-52
mm in diameter; [0167] an angular degree of rotation 111 of the
handle 112 that may be up to 35 degrees; [0168] a minimum distance
113 from an end of the smart lock 1 to the axis of rotation of the
thumb turn wheel 12 of 28 mm to allow for fitting to lock
mechanisms having standard deadbolts; [0169] a maximum distance 114
from the end of the smart lock 1 to a central axis of the
Euro-cylinder of 21 mm to allow for fitting to lock mechanisms
having Euro-cylinder lock mechanisms so as to clear the largest
typical handle rose 110; [0170] a maximum half-width 115 of the
smart lock 1 of 30 mm to accommodate the smallest Euro back-set
diameter; and [0171] a minimum total width 116 of the smart lock 1
of 56 mm to cover the largest typical deadbolt hole 117.
[0172] In one example, the smart lock 1 may be 56.8 mm wide, 131 mm
high and 56.10 mm deep from the door 5. The product may weigh
approximately 300 g.
* * * * *